Mechanical reliability of short carbon fiber reinforced ABS produced via vibration assisted fused deposition modeling

Abstract

Purpose Mechanical reliability (variations in mechanical properties) of fused deposition modeled (FDMed) short-fiber-reinforced composites are unknown, which limits wider and safer use of these composites. Accordingly, this paper aims to investigate the mechanical reliability of FDMed model material short-carbon-fiber-reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (SCFR-ABS). A new vibration-assisted FDM (VA-FDM) process was used to reduce porosity. Design/methodology/approach Tensile tests were performed on FDMed SCFR-ABS produced with and without vibrations. Weibull analysis was performed to quantify the variation in fracture strength, tensile strength, strain at break and strain at tensile strength. Findings Introduction of vibrations to the extrusion head during FDM decreased the inter-bead porosity in SCFR-ABS and thus improved elastic modulus, toughness, fracture strength, tensile strength and strain at break. Weibull modulus of fracture strength increased from 25 to 57 with vibrations. Practical implications The reported Weibull analysis offers a practical design guideline to predict failure rates at specific service stresses. Originality/value A detailed Weibull analysis of the variations in the mechanical properties of FDMed SCFR-ABS was performed for the first time. A new vibration-assisted FDM process was reported to reduce inter-bead porosity in FDMed composites.